How to remediate – Alvarion Multiple Products Default Telnet Credentials

1. Introduction

The Alvarion Multiple Products Default Telnet Credentials vulnerability involves devices using publicly known default login credentials. This allows attackers to gain unauthorized access, potentially compromising device functionality and network security. Systems affected are typically Alvarion products that have not had their default passwords changed. A successful exploit could lead to complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected devices.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability occurs because some Alvarion devices ship with weak or default Telnet credentials. Attackers can remotely log in using these known usernames and passwords. This allows them to execute commands and modify device configurations. There is no CVE currently associated with this specific issue, but it represents a common misconfiguration risk. An attacker could simply attempt to connect via Telnet using the default credentials to gain access. Affected products include those running vulnerable firmware versions that retain these default settings.

• Root cause: Use of publicly known default credentials on Alvarion devices.
• Exploit mechanism: Attackers use Telnet with default username and password combinations to log in remotely.
• Scope: Affected platforms are Alvarion products using default Telnet credentials, specific versions depend on firmware configuration.

3. Detection and Assessment

You can confirm vulnerability by attempting a login with known default credentials. A quick check involves trying common usernames like ‘admin’ or ‘root’ with passwords like ‘admin’, ‘password’, or blank. For thorough assessment, use network scanning tools to identify devices responding on Telnet port 23 and attempt brute-force attacks using default credential lists.

• Quick checks: Attempt a Telnet connection using common default credentials (e.g., admin/admin).
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 65117 can identify devices vulnerable to this issue as an example only.
• Logs and evidence: Check device logs for successful logins from unexpected sources or failed login attempts with valid usernames but incorrect passwords, if logging is enabled.

telnet <device_ip> 23

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The solution involves changing the default passwords on all affected Alvarion devices. Follow these steps to secure your systems.

4.1 Preparation

• No services need stopping, but schedule during off-peak hours. A roll back plan involves restoring the configuration from backup.
• Change windows may be required depending on your organization’s policy and approval processes.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Connect to the device via Telnet or SSH (if enabled).
2. Step 2: Access the configuration menu, typically through a command-line interface.
3. Step 3: Locate the password change option for the default account.
4. Step 4: Enter a strong, unique password that meets your organization’s complexity requirements.
5. Step 5: Save the new configuration and verify the changes are applied.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

Username: admin
Password: password

After

Username: <new_username>
Password: <strong_password>

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue. Least privilege reduces the impact if an account is compromised. Safe defaults ensure systems are not shipped with easily guessable credentials. Regular patch cadence ensures firmware vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.

• Practice 1: Implement least privilege to limit access rights on devices.
• Practice 2: Enforce strong password policies and regular password changes.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# Example Ansible task to check password complexity (requires appropriate modules)
- name: Check default account password complexity
  ansible.builtin.command: "grep -q 'admin' /etc/config" #Replace with actual path
  register: admin_check
  changed_when: false
- name: Fail if default account exists and password is weak
  ansible.builtin.fail:
    msg: "Default account found with potentially weak password."
  when: admin_check.rc == 0

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by attempting to log in using the old default credentials. A successful login attempt indicates the change was not applied correctly. Verify that only authorized users can access the device with their new credentials. Perform a basic service smoke test, such as pinging the device or checking its status through its management interface.

• Post-fix check: Attempt to log in using ‘admin/password’ – it should fail.
• Re-test: Re-run the Telnet connection attempt with default credentials; access should be denied.

telnet <device_ip> 23
Trying <device_ip>...
Connection refused

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

• Baselines: Update your device hardening baseline to require strong passwords and disable Telnet if possible.
• Pipelines: Integrate configuration scanning tools into your CI/CD pipeline to identify default credentials.
• Asset and patch process: Review firmware updates regularly and apply patches within a reasonable timeframe.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

• Risk or side effect 1: Incorrect password entry may result in account lockout.
• Risk or side effect 2: Service interruption if incorrect configuration is applied.
• Roll back: Restore the device configuration from the pre-change backup.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.nessus.org/u?b651eac1
• NVD or CVE entry: Not applicable for this specific issue, but search NVD for similar default credential vulnerabilities.
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: Refer to Alvarion’s official documentation for password change procedures.